In this episode of Pilot Minute, Federal Air Surgeon Susan Northrup, MD, MPH, explains the important differences between an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) and a Primary Care Provider (PCP). The video highlights how these complementary roles work together to support both pilot wellness and aviation safety.
Pilot Minute is produced by the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, Medical Education Division in association with FAA Media Solutions.
AI Generated·May contain errors
Video Summary
AI Generated
This video explains the distinct roles of a Primary Care Provider (PCP) and an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). While both are medical professionals, the PCP focuses on general health and long-term wellness, whereas the AME performs a federal function to ensure pilots meet FAA medical standards for aviation safety.
Pilots may wonder how an aviation medical examiner
is different from their primary care provider.
Find out in this edition of Pilot Minute.
It's true that both
an aviation medical examiner,
or AME, and a primary care provider,
or PCP, are medical professionals.
But they serve very different purposes.
A PCP focuses on your overall health.
They diagnose, treat, and manage medical conditions,
provide preventive care, and help you stay healthy day to day.
Their job is centered on your well-being and long-term medical needs.
An AME, on the other hand, performs a very specific federal function,
determining whether you meet the FAA's medical standards for flying.
During an FAA exam, the AME isn't acting as your personal physician.
They're acting on behalf of the Federal Aviation Administration.
Their responsibility is to evaluate safety-critical medical factors,
document findings accurately, and apply FAA policy consistently.
Your PCP treats medical issues.
Your AME evaluates how those issues relate to aviation safety.
Both roles matter, and they complement each other.
By working with your PCP to manage your health,
and with your FAA to navigate FAA requirements,
you help ensure a safe, healthy, and successful flying career.
Until next time, see you up there.
